When To Use Common Applications
We are looking at applying to Texas Christian University, but are confused about which application to submit. It looks like there are three options: the TCU online application, the Common Application, and the Apply Texas application. Which application should we use? Does it matter? First, your choice of application will not matter to the university. TCU will view each of the three applications equally. So your decision should be based on which of the options will present your strengths. Which application will allow you to express yourself best? Does one application allow more space to list your numerous activities? Does one ask short answer questions you would like to address? Will one application better allow you to stand out as an applicant? Let me back up a minute and explain the various common applications, which weren’t around when I was completing applications on the old manual typewriter. The Common Application was developed to save students time. Fill out one application; send it to all the schools on your list and you don’t need to waste time entering the same information into multiple applications. The “Common App” (CommonApp.org) is currently accepted by over 450 colleges and universities; many of these are private schools. The idea was to make the admissions process more uniform and save students time in entering the same information over and over. (This was actually how I learned my Social Security number back in the day when that was one’s application ID number.) However, many universities have added additional questions, or “Supplements” to the Common App. They are designed to provide information unique to a particular school. However, with so many schools requesting specialized supplements, it may not save you time to chose the Common App over a school specific application. Texas, not to be outdone, has its own common application the “Apply Texas App” (ApplyTexas.org). Very similar in concept to the Common App, the Apply Texas App allows students to apply to all the state universities and some of the private schools in Texas. The format and questions differ from what is found on the Common App, but the ideas are the same. Finally, many colleges and universities have their own applications that can be submitted online through that school’s admissions site. Again, the questions are similar overall, but may have a few differences that can be significant to you. So how should you decide? Look at all your options. What are the essay choices? How many short answer questions are there? How will your resume information fit into each application? If everything is equal, pick the application that is easiest for you, usually a common one you are already submitting elsewhere. However, you may find the little extra time in data entry is well worth the chance to clearly and fully explain why you are an ideal match for that particular school.]]>